Toshiba gets China syndrome

Taking advantage of significantly lower capital and labour costs, Toshiba has announced it will open a factory in China. China has been identified by the colossus of the notebook world as a potential goldmine, and is moving its manufacturing facilities close to the market. The new plant will be sited near Shanghai and although no opening date was announced, Taiwan's Eurotrade reported that production would start in April, with targets set at around 110,000 units per year. According to Toshiba, the Chinese notebook market is set to grow from this year's 260,000 units shipped to 1.3 million units shipped in 2004. The factory will be jointly owned by Toshiba and the Shanghai Jinqiao Export Processing Zone Development company. Toshiba China will own 10 per cent, as will the Chinese company, with the remaining 80 per cent held by Toshiba's parent group. ®